September 13, 2017Bishop William J. Barber, II (President, Repairers of the Breach)

Channeling the incisive analysis of our best historians, Ta-Nehisi Coates cut through the talking points of political pundits last week to name Donald Trump America’s “First White president.” Writing for The Atlantic, the National Book Award recipient made clear how there could be no Donald Trump without President Obama. The chaos from which the whole world now suffers is a direct result of the backlash against racial progress in America.
To see this is to know that Trump is not our problem. … [Read more...]

During a recent lottery shindig, everybody was watching to see who was going to win all that money. Even I got all caught up in the excitement and was on the edge of my seat too.
“Why,” the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage said, “are you so interested in that lottery?”
“Well,” I said as soberly as possible, “what if I win all that money? Wouldn’t that be tremendous?” Then I ﬂashed a gracious million-dollar smile at her.
She just stared at me, rolled her eyes and walked away. As she … [Read more...]

One third Middle

Brokenness. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
Quote of the Day
“After brokenness, our lives can be more fruitful, more purposeful, and more joyful. A genuine blessing can come in the wake of being broken.” Charles Stanley
Thought of the Week
John 12:24-25. Brokenness hurts, and most of us would rather live without any seasons of pain. Yet during such times, God often does His greatest work in our lives, reshaping and realigning … [Read more...]

This past week I had my yearly visit with my doctor. Believe me, it was no vacation but it did vacate the cash in my wallet. It was not the loss I needed at the time.
It is amazing about my doctor. He knows the exact cash I have in my wallet at any given time. More amazing, everything he does for me is covered by that cash in my wallet. One time I try to hide a ﬁve spot in my wallet, but to no avail. The doctor knew it was there, somehow, I’m not sure how.
Most doctors are experts in the … [Read more...]

The road to spiritual salvation is sometimes so obvious, so apparent that we just miss it. Like most of Jesus’ message, it doesn’t seem possible that by simply changing ones’ outlook, the Kingdom of Heaven is yours. “Teacher, which is greatest commandment of the law?” Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the ﬁrst and greatest commandment. And the second is just like it; “Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and … [Read more...]

Watercolor and mixed media art students, from beginners to advanced, will display their works during the opening reception for a new exhibition Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Pasadena Seni…

A resource fair Wednesday, Oct. 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., will focus on Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older. The even…